If you are looking for replacement windows and doors, one of the things you may be told about is the need for trickle vents. Trickle vents can be confusing about what they do and whether they are even needed. In this article, we explain what you need to know.

What is a trickle vent?

A trickle vent is found at the head of a window or a door. At about 300mm in length, it is a slim component that allows air to flow through the window frame. Some other types of vents are positioned on top of the glass of a window as well.

A trickle vent provides a crucial role in a window, and in some cases is also a legal requirement. Vents can be made of aluminium or plastic.

Why are trickle vents needed in windows and doors?

The main reason trickle vents are fitted to windows and doors is that they improve ventilation. There is much research carried out that proves inadequate ventilation affects the structure of the building as well as the comfort and health of our homes.

One of the primary reasons ventilation in dwellings is so important today is that modern homes are far better insulated than ever before. Even older properties have undergone a renovation much of this involving improving heat loss and general insulation. Older properties are now improved with double glazing, cavity wall insulation or loft insulation.

The result of all these positive improvements is that airflow into a home is far less than before. This is where trickle vents come in.

When airflow is so reduced, the result is increased moisture in the home. This is where central heating, cooking steam, drying washing and even sleeping releases moisture in the air.

Where are trickle vents required?

Trickle vents are required to all windows and doors in new build homes and new extensions. If you have existing windows you are looking to replace, a vent is only required if the old windows had trickle vents. If this is the case, the new windows will have to be fitted with them as well.

SGK Home Improvements provide a quality range of replacement windows that can be fitted with discreet, functional and effective trickle vents. Contact us if you would like more information or to find out where trickle vents may be needed in your home.

SGK Home Improvements supply and install a range of high-quality composite front doors, regarded by home improvement professionals as the most secure composite door on the market today.

For Liverpool homeowners looking for a secure, high-quality composite door, SGK composite doors cannot be beaten.

Choose SGK for quality composite doors.

Our range of composite front doors offer many features and specifications not found on all brands of composite doors.  All offer excellent colour choice, the latest in locking technology, impressive performance specifications and much more besides.

The very best in front door security.

Our doors feature the latest in high-security locks and cylinders.  The lock brands used in our doors are regarded by home improvement professionals as the most secure in the market.

A solid core construction.

Our solid core doors feature a thick solid engineered timber core.  This timber core gives a ‘solid knock’ feel to the door as well as making it robust and durable.

Choose from over 20 different available colours

Colour choice with composite doors is extensive. Choose from the same colour inside and out or s different colours inside and out.

With composite doors from SGK, you will also find a range of colours that were first to be seen on a Solidor door. These include the now popular, Chartwell Green, Duck Egg Blue, Aubergine and other exceptional colours providing a standout and individual composite door for the home.

Choose your door frame.

We even take care of ensuring your doors match your existing or new windows. You can make a choice between a chamfered or a sculptured door frame. This gives you the option to match your entrance door to your existing PVCu or timber windows that typically feature these types of frames.

A British Made front door.

Where many composite doors feature skins, slabs and a core construction sourced from China and the Far East, ours are a British made product.

Choose your ideal new front door with SGK Home Improvements.

SGK Home Improvements supply and install entrance doors in any of our Classic, Contemporary, Fully Glazed, Solid and Double Door option.

Or why not contact us and visit our show room to view these exceptional composite doors in fully installed environments. This way you can appreciate the quality and feel for yourselves.

A new conservatory or orangery provides a great room to use in the spring and summer months. However, with the latest energy efficient materials, there is no reason why you could not have a conservatory as an ‘all year round’ room.

Our top tips for a new conservatory.

If you are presently considering a new conservatory or another type of glazed extension, we offer you some tips and advice.

A new conservatory should meet the needs of your home and family.

Consider the planning of the conservatory and what you will use it for. This will help you get the most out of your new glazed extension, and you will not run the risk of having a space that is too large, too small or inconvenient.

It is important to speak to a professional that can give you the right advice. Remember also that size will determine the cost. Therefore, you do not want to end up with a conservatory that is too large and exceeds your planned budget as one example.

How will you use a new conservatory?

We recommend you give some thought to how much time you will spend in your new conservatory.

One that is used as a formal dining space is likely to be used less than one that is a play area or an extension of your sitting room. Think about how you are likely to use it and how many people are likely to be in it as well.

A conservatory should not dominate the rest of the house.

It is tempting to go with a bigger conservatory for maximum use and functionality, but you do not want it to dominate the home or the garden.

The depth of the conservatory will largely be determined by the size of your garden, but it is worth considering how far back along the house it will run as well. Modern houses tend to have smaller gardens than post or pre-war homes. Terraced houses will also have a small garden. Seek advice and we can help you plan your new conservatory better.

Conservatory Planning and Building.

Under the recent ‘Permitted Development’, generally you will not need planning permission, but we always recommend you check with your local authority as every area is different.

Usually, conservatories will be limited by not being more than the land around the house, not more than four metres in height and should not exceed the roof.

Consider heating, lighting and flooring.

There are many choices for heating a conservatory. You can opt for a permanent heating system or more basic forms such as electric or convector heating.

We can help you with all aspects of this including choosing flooring, interior fixtures and fittings, electrics and much more.

What style of conservatory is best?

Certain properties call for simple designs; others are perfect for Victorian, Edwardian or Georgian. It really does depend on your home, budget, your wishes and the help of a professional conservatory installer.

The great thing about modern conservatories is that the vast choice of profiles means any size, style and design can usually be accommodated. A lean-to construction also works well too.

SGK, your conservatory specialists.

At SGK Home Improvements we have a long track record in the building and installation of quality conservatories in aluminium, PVCu or timber.

We can show you examples of our conservatory installations in the Liverpool, West Derby and surrounding areas.

Whatever you choose, we guarantee you the finest materials, over 25 years experience and a professional installation. The result will be a conservatory for you to enjoy all year round, one that will add value to your property and give you many years of pleasure and enjoyment.

Contact us for a free quotation and consultation.

SGK Home Improvements provide some of the most cutting-edge PVCu windows available on the market. If you are looking for replacement windows in Liverpool or the surrounding areas, look no further than SGK Home Improvements.

All our PVCu window ranges provide solutions for any home. We can cater for properties having old metal windows, timber windows or sliding sash windows. With so much choice available in PVCu replacement windows it is important to choose wisely.

Replacement PVCu windows for the home.

There are many European windows available in the market. These windows are excellent products and meet the required standards for quality, energy efficiency and security.

The replacement PVCu windows from SGK Home Improvements are designed to meet the requirements of the UK window market. There are several features such as bay and bow windows, astragal bars, particular window styles and glass patterns that make our windows different from another market.

Many of our local area properties are a mixture of Victorian, Edwardian, Georgian and older, this means windows like our range of PVCu sliding sash windows need to provide all the authentic features such as run through sash horns, similar dimensions and authentic bars to the glass.

There are also windows to suit houses built in the 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s. These tend to feature larger pieces of glass, sliding windows or large opening windows. We can custom-design a window to meet the design of windows from these decades.

The classic semi-detached property with bay windows to the front is another classic British home that we can improve with modern PVCu windows.

Authentic timber replacement windows in pvcu.

Many houses feature cottage style windows, smaller casement windows and those where the original wood window is a characteristic of the property. We can provide custom designed ‘heritage’ style PVCu windows with some great period features such as authentic wood finishes, flush casements and period hardware.

Contemporary PVCu windows.

Our current range of PVCu windows provides a choice of chamfered, flat, ovolo and other profile styles. These are designed to deliver a cost-effective PVCu window that is ideal for a modern new extension.

Contemporary PVCu windows are today available in a wide choice of colours, foils and finishes. There is no reason why you cannot enjoy the modern grey, black and other finishes with modern PVCu windows.

SGK Windows offer you complete home solutions in PVCu.

All our PVCu replacement windows are manufactured to the highest standards giving you a long lasting replacement window that is affordable, reliable and built to last. Your home will be improved with the latest generation windows offering the ultimate in comfort, window security and colour.

As standard, all our windows offer:

• A window energy rating of A and beyond.
• High specification glass with argon gas fill and Low-E coating.
• Quality handles, hinges and locks.
• The finest quality pvcu.
• A 10 year guarantee
• A professional window installation.

Contact us today for great prices and a personal service for all your home improvement requirements.

Anyone considering changing their windows and doors is well aware that there is a vast array of products available.  And that there is a huge choice of home improvements companies out there competing for your business.  So here is our buying advice for new windows and doors.

The purchase of new windows and doors doesn’t need to be complicated. At SGK Home Improvements we have over 25 years experience, and we know how to offer you new windows and doors not only choice but superb value. We have been serving the local area for many years already. Whether you only want to replace your old windows or get new windows for your extension or renovation project both are significant investments.

No doubt you will want to improve your home, make it warmer and more comfortable as well as be making an investment in it.

Choosing the right products and the right window company.

Your expectation is that your new windows and doors will last for many years, keep your home warm, dry and secure as well as helping you save money on your energy bills.

If you are in the market for new windows, we welcome you to contact us to find out more about our services, our range of products and why we can help you.

Why choice matters

Many of the larger double glazing firms and those you see advertising on television only offer a limited range. They are high volume companies that cannot provide the sheer choice of products that local installers can.

While they may offer PVCu, aluminium or timber windows and doors, often they will only offer one type. SGK Home Improvements offer a whole range of products. We can provide flat and contemporary windows and doors for the most modern of extensions or the very latest in traditional looking windows to match the character of your home with all the advantages of modern double glazing.

The most modern and energy efficient doors and windows.

It is important to know today that you can obtain windows and doors for your precise requirements and home. You may have a home that has old steel windows. Here choosing the right slimline product that will be in keeping with the features of your home is vital.

If you have traditional single glazed timber windows, you may wish to find a product with the same ovolo frames and flush casement that make original timber windows unique.  You may even live in a property built with large sliding windows, sash windows or even pivoting windows. Here we can help as well.

What it is important to know is that today you do have an excellent choice in windows and doors. Windows today are slimmer, more energy efficient and far more advanced than ever before. In doing your research, talk to us and let us explain the wide range of products available to you. We want you to find the right windows and doors for your home and not what a salesperson is trying to sell you!

Choose a window company that is an expert in its field.

It is imperative to explore your door and window options by talking to window companies that understand the local area, the properties and the products.

At SGK we have knowledge of virtually the whole of the market. Even if you need something bespoke, unique to you and your home, we can help.

We believe quality has to be an equally important factor as price. There are so many companies offering apparently low prices in PVCu windows and doors.  With numerous firms offering  “buy one get one free” deals,  price matching on low prices and other incentives to buy.

With new windows and doors that are an investment in your home, we believe that products and companies should be compared on quality and not just price. Quality, home improvement products, should last more than 25 years when they are the right product and fitted right. Let us help you find the right products for your home.